Running a successful restaurant means keeping customers happy while managing operations smoothly. One of the best ways to do this is by using restaurant ordering systems. These tools make it easy to handle orders, improve service, and increase profits.
With restaurant ordering systems, you can simplify how customers place orders—whether online, through an app, or at the table. This not only speeds up service but also ensures accuracy, leaving customers impressed and coming back for more.
Why Great Restaurant Ordering Systems Matter
Online ordering is booming. Nearly 1.5 billion people ordered food online in 2020, surging due to global COVID-19 lockdowns.
For restaurants, online ordering is essential. Studies show online orders make up significant income for businesses of all sizes.
But third-party apps like Grubhub and DoorDash take large cuts of revenue and control customer data. This hinders growth and can inflate prices.
Types of Restaurant Ordering Systems
Balancing third-party apps with your own ordering solution and website design is critical. Direct online orders save time, improve efficiency, and create recurring customer experiences.
Understanding your options and website maintenance is essential in today's market. Here are some popular choices:
Third-Party Apps
These food delivery apps offer quick customer access and simple setup. However, they charge high commission fees. They also control your menu's appearance, creating brand inconsistency.
Restaurant Website Ordering Systems
Your own restaurant website enables direct orders, often integrating with your existing site.
You’ll avoid fees, control your brand, own customer relationships, and enhance marketing with full access to your email list.
Custom-Built Solutions
Some restaurants build their own website with integrated online ordering. This offers ultimate control and customization. It might also reduce upkeep and eliminate paid plans and extra features.
Numerous options exist, so consider which platform feels best. Once live, consider focusing on ideal customers and actual orders rather than website perfection.
Focus on customer satisfaction and the method they prefer, be it online, fine dining, or takeout. Consider offering curbside pickup. Adapt to customer needs for long-term success, focusing on creating better online ordering solution.
Choosing can feel overwhelming, especially if your website isn't attracting much traffic. Marketing may help temporarily but won’t be a lasting fix as you grow to more than one location.
Choosing the Best System
Selecting a system involves trade-offs. Consider your priorities, what competitors are doing, your budget, your brand, and available resources.
Consider website costs for restaurant ordering, a key decision. Balancing overhead, feature costs, and website design is important.
Most platforms start affordably but prices increase with usage and traffic growth. Repeat business and positive reviews, encouraged through a good customer loyalty program, are important for online visibility.
Let's look at how restaurant ordering systems impact your revenue and the types of orders customers might make, whether that be food online, takeout only, fine dining, virtual brands or any others.
| Feature |
Benefit |
Consideration |
| Third-Party Apps |
Quick setup, large customer base |
High commission fees, brand inconsistency |
| Restaurant Website Ordering |
Control over branding, lower fees |
Requires website development/maintenance |
| Custom-Built Solutions |
Ultimate control, customization |
High initial investment, technical expertise needed |
Breaking Down Costs: Choosing the Most Profitable Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant
| Provider |
Setup Fee |
Monthly Fee |
Commission per Order |
Additional Fees |
| BPA EatOnTheWeb |
$300 |
$50 |
None |
Includes menu integration, logo management, custom URL, unlimited support, and bandwidth. |
| DoorDash |
None |
~$1,350* |
15% - 30% |
6% on pickup orders; $6/week tablet rental; optional in-app marketing fees. |
| Grubhub |
None |
~$1,760* |
15% - 25% |
10% delivery fee; additional credit card and fraud monitoring fees (3.05% + $0.30 per order). |
| UberEats |
$500 |
~$1,350* |
15% - 30% |
6% on pickup orders; $5/week tablet rental; 15% for self-delivery; 25% for UberEats delivery. |
| Postmates |
None |
~$1,350* |
15% - 30% |
$5/week tablet rental. |
| ChowNow |
$399 |
$149 |
None |
Credit card processing fees (2.95% + $0.20 per order). |
When evaluating online ordering systems for your restaurant, it's crucial to understand the fee structures of various providers. Here's a comparison of popular platforms: As shown, BPA EatOnTheWeb offers a cost-effective solution with a flat monthly fee and no per-order commissions, allowing you to retain more of your profits.
Boosting Online Orders with Restaurant Ordering Systems
Just having a system isn't enough; make it easy to use. Prominent "Order Now" buttons on your website and social media profiles are essential.
Offer multiple payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Streamline the checkout and pickup process.
Clearly show order-ahead service areas, especially appealing to dine-in customers wanting faster service.
Customer loyalty programs encourage direct orders. Email marketing can invite both new and loyal customers to order ahead, building customer engagement.
Targeting specific marketing segments like quick service customers enhances this strategy. Remember, prioritizing both in-person and digital interactions is key for reflecting brand image and generating direct online orders from restaurant websites.
Balance achievable customer service goals with automated marketing to ensure sustainability. This balances both online and in-house orders.
User Reviews and Ratings of Restaurant Ordering Systems
While positive online reviews are helpful, local customer feedback is vital. It’s essential to understand local dining preferences since digital reviews may not always reflect local opinions.
Integrate online food ordering into in-house tablets. Displaying reviews for popular specials can boost sales from local customers. Tailoring restaurant online ordering to different customer traffic types and times can also enhance overall restaurant sales performance, whether direct, mobile, QR code based, or using any other popular online ordering website or system.
How BPA POS Can Help Your Restaurant Grow with Advanced Ordering Systems
At BPA POS, we specialize in providing powerful, user-friendly tools to help restaurants streamline their ordering process, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase revenue. Our restaurant ordering systems are built to address the real challenges you face daily, offering solutions that truly make a difference. Here’s how we help:
1. Seamless Online Ordering Integration
We offer EatOnTheWeb Online Ordering, a tool that allows your customers to place orders directly through your restaurant’s website. This feature ensures:
- A user-friendly interface that makes ordering quick and convenient.
- Direct integration with your point-of-sale (POS) system for streamlined order management.
- The ability to customize menus to match your brand and customer preferences.
This system is perfect for attracting online-savvy customers who value the convenience of ordering from home or on the go.
2. Innovative Tableside Ordering with RapidServer Tablets
Speed and accuracy are crucial in the restaurant business. With our RapidServer Tableside Tablets, your servers can:
- Take orders directly at the table, eliminating the need for handwritten notes or trips back and forth to a POS terminal.
- Send orders straight to the kitchen, reducing errors and wait times.
- Provide customers with a more interactive and engaging dining experience.
This feature not only improves service quality but also boosts table turnover rates, helping you serve more customers efficiently.
3. Self-Serve Kiosk Systems
Our self-serve kiosks are ideal for quick-service restaurants or busy environments. These kiosks empower customers to:
- Place their own orders, reducing lines and wait times.
- Customize their meals with ease.
- Pay securely using a variety of payment methods.
Self-serve kiosks are an excellent way to handle high customer volumes while maintaining order accuracy.
4. Comprehensive Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
Our POS systems are more than just cash registers. Built on a robust business accounting platform, they offer:
- Inventory management tools to keep track of stock levels and reduce waste.
- Sales reporting to provide insights into customer preferences and peak times.
- A user-friendly interface for easy staff training and operation.
These features ensure that your restaurant operates smoothly, even during the busiest hours.
5. Exceptional Customer Support
We pride ourselves on providing industry-leading customer support. Whether you're setting up your system or troubleshooting an issue, our team is here to help. We offer:
- Comprehensive training for your staff to get them up to speed quickly.
- Ongoing technical support to ensure your operations run without a hitch.
- Customizable solutions to meet the specific needs of your restaurant.
Our commitment to your success sets us apart, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
Why Choose BPA POS?
Choosing BPA POS means partnering with a company that understands the restaurant industry inside and out. Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Over two decades of experience providing top-tier solutions for restaurants.
- A focus on affordability without compromising on quality.
- Systems that are built to grow with your business, adapting to your needs over time.
Whether you're a small café or a large restaurant chain, our tools are designed to fit seamlessly into your operations and help you thrive in a competitive market.
FAQs about Restaurant Ordering Systems
What system do restaurants use to take orders?
Restaurants use diverse systems. These range from pen-and-paper to modern POS systems with online ordering platforms and mobile apps.
Consider customer ordering preferences for dining or revisiting your service.
Prioritize both direct local visits and other forms of restaurant ordering, as returning customers drive growth beyond online deliveries.
What are the 4 types of ordering system?
Four common types include third-party apps, restaurant websites, custom-built solutions, and POS systems. These facilitate various order methods, such as online, mobile, or in-person using QR codes.
The best system depends on the company's goals, vision, and growth plan. Scaling up usually necessitates enterprise-level solutions for centralized operations across different sites.
What is a restaurant ordering system?
A restaurant ordering system facilitates and manages customer orders for food and beverages. Some offer delivery services with varied pricing models or service tiers.
The key question isn’t which to select, but which best serves high-value customers. Focus on optimizing the in-person ordering experience and direct online orders.
Consider adding a website optimized for ordering once your operations have reached scale to offer your customers another way to order food online from your dining restaurant.
What is a restaurant order management system?
A restaurant order management system (OMS) is a comprehensive system that streamlines the entire order process.
It collects orders, manages food prep, processes payments, and even facilitates staff communication and customer support. Advanced OMS solutions provide CRM features for marketing and employee feedback.
These features are particularly important as restaurants expand to multiple locations. As you grow, restaurant order management systems will become increasingly important.
Conclusion
Running a successful restaurant depends on creating a smooth and satisfying experience for your customers. Using restaurant ordering systems simplifies the entire process—from taking orders to delivering meals—while boosting accuracy, speed, and customer satisfaction. With the right system, you can streamline operations and stay ahead in a competitive market.
At BPA POS, we provide advanced restaurant ordering systems designed to meet the specific needs of your business. From seamless online ordering integration to user-friendly POS systems, we ensure your restaurant operates efficiently and delivers exceptional service. Partner with us to transform your operations and grow your profits.
Upgrade to our advanced ordering system today!
